Stories from Monday, December 1, 2003

Warm month helps keep bills low for start of winter(12/01/03)SIKESTON -- While many people enjoyed the unusually warmer weather this month, they may also appreciate the fact it will probably save them a few dollars with their heating bills this winter. "Our business, regardless of winter or summer, heavily relies on the weather," noted Lester Wright, business manager for Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities. ...

Holiday rehearsal(12/01/03)Harry Howard rehearses with Vicki Estes, an alto soloist, for the upcoming Community "Messiah" Singalong. Set for 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Hunter Memorial Presbyterian Church, the public can sing with the approximately 40-member choir as they perform portions of Handle's Messiah and other seasonal selections. This is the second year for the event which is sponsored by the congregations of Hunter Memorial Presbyterian Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Churches...

TRCC routs Dyersburg State(12/01/03)POPLAR BLUFF - If the sparse crowd and Internet chatter mean fans have given up on Three Rivers, Dereke Tipler says they're making a big mistake. "It doesn't matter what we do in the beginning of the year, it's how we finish," Tipler said after the Raiders thumped Dyersburg State 131-78 Saturday night. "Of course we don't want to lose, but when we lose we know what we've got to do. All that matters is what happens in the end and they'll see."...

Charleston defeats Covington; Eagles 'Kruse' to first win(12/01/03)NEW MADRID - The 9th Annual Riverbend Classic concluded on Saturday at New Madrid County Central High School. Every year the tournament is designed to pit Missouri's teams against the best around the country. If Saturday is any indication, Missouri hoops is right on par with the rest of the country...

Oran Tournament(12/01/03)ORAN -- The 48th Annual Oran Invitational varsity boys basketball tournament will take place Dec. 1-5 at Oran High School. Top-seeded Scott City will play Oran's junior varsity team on Monday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m., followed by games between (2) Bell City and (7) Richland at 6:30 p.m., then (3) Twin Rivers and (6) Oran at 8:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, (4) Kelly will play (5) Scott Central at 6:30 p.m...

Nora McMullin(12/01/03)SIKESTON - Nora Mae McMullin, 84, died at 6:57 a.m. Dec. 1, 2003 at her home.
Arrangements are pending at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Lois Hooks(12/01/03)MATTHEWS - Lois Hooks, 83, died Nov. 29, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born July 14, 1920, in Humphries County, Tenn., daughter of the late Alvin R. and Ollie E. Winters Curtis, she was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church in Morehouse. She was a first grade teacher for much of her career and retired as an educator from Matthews Elementary School in Matthews...

Juanita Bechel(12/01/03)CHAFFEE - Juanita Ida Bechel, 89, died at 6:47 a.m. Nov. 29, 2003. Born Oct. 5, 1914, in Chaffee, daughter of the late Levi John and Elenora Elizabeth Scheeter Bechel, she had worked for the Sports Specialty Shoe Company in Chaffee. She retired as secretary for the Tucker Truck Company in Cape Girardeau and was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and Daughters of St. Ambrose...

Births (published 12/1)(12/01/03)NEW MADRID - Eric and Kristina Humphrey are the parents of their second son, born at 7:42 p.m. Oct. 31, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Tyler Edward Humphrey weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces and was 18-inches long. Mrs. Humphrey is the daughter of Betty Britt of Marston and the late Edward Britt...

Looking Back (12/1)(12/01/03)SIKESTON - Sikeston's Bulldogs with superior power and weight downed the Charleston High School Blue Jays last Thursday afternoon 26 to 6 at the annual Thanksgiving Day football game played on the local field. SIKESTON - Based on the building permits issued by John Vaughn, city clerk, the value of construction for which permits were obtained in November went up to $172,550 with residence work dominating...

Speakout (12/1)(12/01/03)I have been receiving your paper for several years and I know there are several people who are receiving it because I gave their names to you in the free renewal program. I am 78 years old and not one time was ever told that you offered a discount to senior citizens. You will probably say, "I'm sorry." Why was I not made aware of this? Is this the way you thank a senior citizen? How many other people have never been told?...